On January 31, 2025, Météo France issued yellow warnings for snow and ice across 26 departments as the country grapples with chilly temperatures and the aftermath of three successive storms. This shift follows historic flooding experienced across the western regions of France, where river levels have surged, prompting serious concerns for residents.
According to Météo France, the situation is set to change as temperatures drop significantly. The weather agency revealed, "Many regions, especially the northwest and the center, can expect snow flurries, especially as the colder air begins to mingle with the residual moisture from recent weather systems." This weather alert is now affecting parts of Normandy, the central regions, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
The list of affected departments includes: Aisne, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Aveyron, Cantal, Cher, Corrèze, Creuse, Eure, Eure-et-Loir, Loiret, Lot, Lozère, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Nord, Oise, Orne, Pas-de-Calais, Sarthe, Seine-Maritime, Yvelines, Somme, Haute-Vienne, and Val-D'Oise. Each of these areas faces snow and ice conditions, which compel residents to exercise caution on the roads, particularly as precipitation is expected to intensify during the day.
The temperatures across the northern half of the country are dropping to between -1°C and 3°C, with the southern regions ranging from 1°C to 7°C. Coastal areas, including the Côte d'Azur and Corsica, may still experience higher temperatures, reaching between 6°C and 10°C. Nonetheless, the colder weather could lead to icy patches on roads, especially when temperatures hover around zero degrees Celsius later on Friday evening.
Currently, three departments remain under red alert due to flooding caused by significant rainfall: Ille-et-Vilaine, Morbihan, and Loire-Atlantique. The flooding situation appears precarious as the intense rains have saturated the ground, facilitating overflow from rivers. Flood warnings are particularly acute for the Thérain river, which is anticipated to reach concerning levels by late Thursday night.
The Oise department faces dual alerts for floods and snow as authorities highlight the risks of severe inundation alongside icy roads. The situation on the Thérain could worsen as forecasted highs are expected to breach levels seen during the floods earlier this month.
Eure is experiencing similar conditions; local officials have issued urgent warnings about potential flooding. Despite forecasts of improved weather over the weekend, vigilance remains high as citizens are advised to prepare for possible weather-related disruptions.
On the ground, local authorities urge residents to limit unnecessary travel and maintain vigilance when driving, particularly during icy or snowy conditions. The roads have shown signs of difficult travel due to the mixture of snow, ice, and flooding. For example, safety messages stressing heightened awareness of emergency services and road conditions have appeared across social media from public safety offices.
Météo France warns, "With temperatures near or below freezing, even minor roadways, when wet, can quickly turn hazardous. Drivers must adjust their speed and style to the conditions and prepare for the unexpected." They stress the importance of only using safe routes and avoiding those known to flood.
Unfortunately, this week’s storms have taken their toll on many regions. The situation remains dynamic, with forecasts indicating incremental improvements. Météo France predicts Saturday and Sunday could bring clearer skies, though cold air masses establish frigid conditions.
So, as we navigate through challenging wintry weather, keeping informed via official channels is advised. Residents should closely monitor Météo France for the latest updates and heed all safety advisories issued as France cautiously steps away from treacherous conditions toward potentially calmer weather.